KARACHI: The industrialist community has welcomed the Sindh government’s approval of historic funding for Karachi’s industrial areas as an industry-friendly move.
They said that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah’s decision is commendable. Restoration of industrial infrastructure will restore business confidence and increase investment, they added.
Patron-in-Chief of the SITE Association of Industry (SAI) Zubair Motiwala warmly welcomed the Sindh government’s approval of a Rs9.28 billion package aimed at reviving the infrastructure of Karachi’s industrial areas, calling it a timely and industry-friendly decision that will boost production, exports, and investment.
He lauded Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for what he described as a “historic and commendable initiative,” saying the long-awaited funding would help resolve chronic infrastructure bottlenecks that have hampered industrial growth for years.
He added that transparent utilisation of funds and the formation of an oversight committee would further strengthen trust between the government and industrial stakeholders.
Calling the package, a “landmark decision,” Saleem Parekh, Chief Coordinator of the SITE Association, said the government had rightly linked industrial revival with employment generation and export growth.
He also acknowledged the role of Provincial Minister for Industries Jam Ikramullah Dharejo and Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, expressing hope that their continued support would translate into sustained relief for Karachi’s industrial base.
Parekh praised Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab for his dedicated efforts in initiating the TP-1 and TP-3 projects, calling them a significant step for the city. He stated that if the current performance continues, by December 30 the SITE area will begin receiving one million gallons of water per day through TP-1. This development is expected to greatly help in addressing the city’s water shortage.
Parekh further added that if the pilot project proves successful, Mayor Wahab has assured that its capacity will be gradually increased every month to provide greater relief to the citizens.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Azeem Alvi, President of the SITE Association, said the allocation of Rs2bn for the SITE Area would bring tangible relief to industrialists by improving basic infrastructure and lowering production costs. He welcomed the consultative mechanism involving the Mayor of Karachi and the Commissioner Karachi for fund distribution, terming it a positive step towards equitable and needs-based development.
SAI leaders were unanimous in their view that the Sindh government’s initiative could mark a turning point for Karachi’s economy, paving the way for higher industrial output, stronger exports and renewed investor confidence.
President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) Muhammad Ikram Rajput has welcomed the Sindh government’s approval of Rs9.282 billion for the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure in Karachi’s industrial areas, including Rs2 billion specifically allocated for the Korangi Industrial Zone.
He expressed gratitude to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah for fulfilling a long-standing demand of the industrial community, stating that the decision reinforces the Pakistan Peoples Party’s vision of industrialization under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He also commended the Sindh Cabinet for what he termed a historic and timely initiative.
President KATI noted that similar funds had been utilized effectively in the past, a fact acknowledged by all relevant stakeholders. However, due to prolonged neglect and increasing industrial pressure, infrastructure in major industrial zones had deteriorated significantly, adversely affecting industrial activity. He said the restoration of funds would now accelerate development works, leading to the revival of industrial operations.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
